Balado Tuna with Eggplant: A Spicy Delight for Your Table
Balado Tuna with Eggplant, known for its vibrant flavors and enticing aroma, is a quintessential Indonesian dish that combines succulent pieces of tuna with tender eggplant, all enveloped in a rich, spicy sauce. This dish is not only visually appealing but also a delightful addition to any meal, particularly when paired with steaming hot rice. Let’s delve into the ingredients and steps required to prepare this culinary masterpiece that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna fish | 1/2 kg (cut into 8 pieces) |
| Purple eggplant | 2 (cut into 8 pieces) |
| Petai (stink beans) | 2 boards |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk (crushed) |
| Lime | 1 (juiced) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Oil | As needed |
| Water | As needed |
| Spice Paste | |
| Red curly chilies | 15 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 10 pieces |
| Shallots | 7 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Ginger | 2 cm |
| Tomato | 1/2 medium |
Instructions
| Steps |
|---|
| 1. Begin by washing the tuna thoroughly, then marinate it with lime juice and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. |
| 2. Clean the purple eggplant and soak it in salted water for 30 minutes to reduce bitterness. |
| 3. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the eggplant until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, fry the marinated tuna until it is half-cooked; if you prefer, you can use smoked tuna for a quicker preparation—just fry it briefly to prevent toughness. |
| 4. In another pan, heat a little oil and sauté the ground spice paste until fragrant. Add the crushed lemongrass and stir-fry until aromatic. Then, introduce the petai, along with salt, sugar, and a splash of water. Mix well. |
| 5. Incorporate the fried eggplant and tuna into the spice mixture, stirring gently until the ingredients are well combined and the spices are fully absorbed. Cook for a few more minutes. |
| 6. Once done, remove from heat and serve your Balado Tuna with Eggplant hot, alongside steaming rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen! |
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
This Balado Tuna with Eggplant recipe is a celebration of Indonesian flavors, and its preparation will bring warmth and spice to your dining experience. The combination of fresh ingredients and a harmonious blend of spices makes this dish not just a meal, but a journey into the heart of Indonesian cuisine. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a plateful of deliciousness!
